4/ This is not because Black communities are somehow more vulnerable to suicide.
It's because too many people are carrying pain without access to the support, resources, and care they need.
5/ We cannot separate this crisis from racism, economic instability, trauma, social isolation, community disinvestment, and the stigma that still surrounds mental health care.
3/ The same report found that Black Americans' overall suicide death rate increased by 53% between 2014 and 2024.
Those numbers should stop all of us in our tracks.
2/ According to a recent report from Capital B News (@AdamLMahoney) , for the first time on record, Black men ages 16–29 are dying by suicide at a higher rate than their white peers.
7/ Behind every statistic is a son, brother, friend, father, partner, classmate, teammate, or neighbor.
A life that matters.
A future that should still be here.
6/ Too many Black boys and men are taught to be strong, push through, and keep going.
Far fewer are given permission to be vulnerable, ask for help, and receive support.
8/ Young Black men are telling us they need support.
The question is whether our institutions, policymakers, health systems, schools, communities, and families are willing to listen.
1/ June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and we need to talk about a crisis getting far too little attention.
Young Black men are dying by suicide at a historic rate.
As a physician, mother of two Black boys, and health equity advocate, I can’t look away.
🧵
9: If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988.
And if you're in a position to influence policy, healthcare, education, or community investment, this is your reminder:
Saving lives requires more than awareness. It requires action.
